Nielsen and DC Comics to Actually Figure Out Who Reads Comics, or: Everybody Take This Survey

Many words have been spun into the internet aether as well as the audible one on the subject of who the audience actually is for American superhero comics. DC would seem to insist that its best bet for solvency in the market is to focus exclusively on keeping the 18-34 year old male reader to the exclusion of other demographics, over the protests of many female fans and readers.

Well, now would be a good time for those fans, and all of DC’s fans and readers to make their voices heard.

DC Comics has thanked retailers and fans for their enthusiasm and support during the launch of THE NEW 52, but in a new appeal they’re asking for feedback in a new online survey.

As they made clear from the beginning, their goal was to expand the market by appealing to new/lapsed readers. They believe this has happened, but now they’d like feedback from the fanbase and comic shop retailers about where to go next.

DC has engaged Nielsen NRG, the world-class research company, to survey U.S. consumers and retailers (online and in person), to learn more about DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 and its readership.

Retailers will also be asked to complete an individual “Retailer Survey.”

DC Comics promises to release the results sometime early next year.

Please note – DC will not be retaining any consumer information associated with this survey. Additionally, Nielsen will be visiting a handful of comic shops nationwide for in-person interviews and will be surveying digital consumers from its app/website.

Yup, that’s Nielsen Media Research and the National Research Group, the organizations that the entire television industry depends on for its market research. You’ve got until next Friday. Make us proud.